Member Spotlight - Austevoll Elektro
This month we are proud to feature Austevoll Elektro as our Member of the Month! Based in Kolbeinsvik, Austevoll, with a new office in Bergen and more than 50 years of experience in the maritime electrical sector, the company has long been a trusted supplier of electrical systems and services for marine, aquaculture and industrial customers. Their expertise ranges from control panels and switchboards to solar systems, chargers, maintenance, and full system integration. Over the years, they have delivered critical components for projects such as shore-power systems and hybrid vessel infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art aquaculture service vessel “FDA Mimmi”.
Svanhild Fully Electric - Austevoll Elektro
Ownership Change and Expansion
The beginning of 2025 marked a significant milestone for Austevoll Elektro as the company, formerly employee-owned, was acquired by SEAM a larger Norwegian system integrator and switchboard manufacturer. The acquisition has enabled rapid growth and restructuring. Austevoll Elektro is now in the process of hiring 15 new employees, bringing the total workforce to around 70. A new office in Bergen, co-located with SEAM, has opened to attract talent in a competitive market, while new staff are being added across service, project management, engineering, and sales. To prepare for this expansion, the company has introduced a new executive team, including a CEO, CTO, COO, and CSO, to strengthen leadership for future projects.
Global Operations and Projects
Austevoll Elektro is well known for its strong global service presence. Its engineers are deployed around the world, from Portugal and Scotland to Dubai, the Caspian Sea, Thailand, Argentina, and Chile, supporting customers with switchboard manufacturing, upgrades, service, and commissioning. Increasingly, their work also includes battery integration and hybrid retrofits. The company is engaged in several ongoing battery upgrade projects, with four to five contracts expected to be signed soon. References include fish carriers and feed carriers, demonstrating their capability to deliver full turnkey solutions from system design through installation and commissioning.
Leadership with Deep Roots
Two of Austevoll Elektro’s leaders reflect the company’s long tradition of continuity and hands-on expertise. Sigurd Vik, Chief Commercial Officer, has spent 28 years with the company in roles spanning project management and sales. His focus is on system integration and retrofit solutions that support the green transition by lowering emissions and achieving fuel savings for shipowners. Sigve Gokstad, who is the new CEO, has been with Austevoll Elektro for 21 years. His journey from floor sweeper and apprentice to engineer, project manager, department head, and now CEO is a testament to the company’s culture of long-term development. Gokstad personally built and commissioned Austevoll Elektro’s first battery system and remains a strong advocate for electrification, stressing that battery systems can pay back their investment in just a few years while significantly reducing emissions.
FDA Mimmi - Austevoll Elektro
Challenges in Marine Electrification
Like many in the sector, Austevoll Elektro identifies cost as the primary barrier to wider adoption of batteries. While battery prices are gradually trending downward, successful projects often rely on funding mechanisms such as Enova’s support in Norway. Technical complexity is another hurdle: integrating batteries requires additional automation, safety measures, and user-friendly operator interfaces. Training is equally important, as both shipowners and crews need to gain confidence in new technologies. According to the team, once users become familiar with battery systems, concerns typically fade, and the operational benefits become clear.
Looking Ahead: Batteries as a Cornerstone
Austevoll Elektro sees batteries as an essential part of the maritime future. Even as new fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, or advanced reactors emerge, batteries will remain complementary providing efficiency, flexibility, and power stabilization. The company’s leaders are confident that Austevoll Elektro is in the right industry at the right time, poised to play a central role in maritime electrification. With a strong heritage, a rapidly expanding workforce, and a growing portfolio of international projects, the company is well positioned to continue its contribution to greener, smarter shipping.
About the Maritime Battery Forum
The Maritime Battery Forum was founded with the aim of promoting new and efficient energy storage technologies in the maritime industry. With over 90 members across 3 continents, the MBF works to disseminate information, facilitate discussion, and accelerate the journey towards a zero-emission maritime future.
Contact :
Ayomide Miracle Salifu
Community & Communications Manager
Email: ayomidesalifu@maritimebatteryforum.com
Website: www.maritimebatteryforum.com
